Join us for a special performance and meet & greet with Steinway Artist Randy Porter and friends – John Wiitala (bass), and Todd Strait (drums) – Saturday, June 1 at 1:00PM at Schmitt Music Kansas City – free and open to the public!

A future-classic album is being recorded in Kansas City in late May with jazz musicians from all around the United States! Randy Porter, Steinway Artist and pianist extraordinaire, is flying in from Portland, Oregon, to join renowned bassist John Wiitala from Los Angeles and celebrated Kansas City drummer Todd Strait. The recording session is private, but our program on June 1st will give you a sneak peek!

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a magical moment in Kansas City jazz history. Enjoy this free performance and meet these Grammy-Nominated performers after the show! Seating is limited, so please let us know if you’ll attend – RSVP NOW!

Learn more about Randy Porter, John Wiitala, and Todd Strait below:

Randy Porter, Piano

Jazz pianist Randy Porter has a refined understanding of improvisation and the spontaneous communication between musicians. As a Steinway Artist, Randy Porter draws from a rich palette of sonorities found within his imagination and the depths of the piano. Lynn Darroch of The Oregonian states, “Porter has built a reputation as a musician’s musician, a knowledgeable, inventive, and sophisticated player with a remarkable sense of time and gorgeous keyboard facility…”

Nominated for the 60th Grammy Awards, Randy’s recent release Porter Plays Porter with Nancy King is a mix of swing, wit, harmony and lyrical adventure. In the spirit of Cannonball Adderley and Nancy Wilson, tunes featuring Nancy King are interspersed with instrumental tracks featuring the Randy Porter Trio. The vehicle for improvisation is the master songwriter Cole Porter, with the exception of Inside Your Mind, a ballad written by Randy Porter. Legendary vocalist Nancy King joins the Randy Porter Trio: Randy, piano; John Wiitala, bass; and Todd Strait on drums.

Randy Porter has performed with many jazz greats, including Freddy Hubbard, Art Farmer, and Benny Golson. He currently performs with Charles McPherson, Madeline Eastman, the New York Voices, Rebecca Kilgore and Nancy King. With the Charles McPherson Quartet, he has traveled throughout the US and in France, Italy, Greece, and China. The Charles McPherson Quartet has re- created the music from the classic recording Charlie Parker with Strings, performing with many orchestras nationwide. Porter has also performed McPherson’s Sweet Synergy Suite with the San Diego Ballet.

Musical highlights include performing at Kimball’s with Art Farmer and Clifford Jordan, Lincoln Center and Kennedy Center with Diane Schuur, Seattle’s Jazz Alley with New York Voices, concerts at Yoshi’s in San Francisco with Madeline Eastman, Karrin Allyson and Rebecca Kilgore, The House of Blues in Chicago and BB King’s Blues Club in NYC with Gino Vannelli, the Monterey Jazz Festival with Madeline Eastman, the Chicago and Detroit Jazz Festivals with Charles McPherson.

Randy Porter has toured Europe with bassist David Friesen and has performed on several recordings with Friesen. Friesen’s 2001 Trio CD, Name of a Woman, received 4 stars from Downbeat in June of 2002 and featured Porter as pianist and composer. Porter has also recorded, performed, and toured worldwide with singer Gino Vannelli; Porter’s pianistic contributions can be heard on Vannelli’s CDs, Yonder Tree, Slow Love and Canto.

Porter’s compositions and arrangements can be heard on his own recordings: Porter Plays Porter with Nancy King, John Wiitala on bass, Todd Strait on drums; Thirsty Soul, with John Wiitala on bass and Reinhardt Melz and Todd Strait on drums; Brio, also featuring John Wiitala and Reinhardt Melz; Modern Reflections with Nancy King on vocals, Leroy Vinnegar on bass and Mel Brown on drums; and Eight Little Feet with Bob Magnusson on bass and Joe LaBarbera on drums. Samples of Porter’s writing and playing can be found on Apple’s iLife jingles. Porter also composed the music for the 2009 documentary, Deep Green.

Porter has been a performer and educator at the Jazz Camp West, the Port Townsend Jazz Festival, and the Stanford Jazz Workshop where he has coached many young jazz musicians. Porter teaches master classes and adjudicates student combos and bands at highschool and college jazz festivals. Currently, Porter teaches jazz piano at Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon. Learn more at randyporter.com.

John Wiitala, Bass

John Wiitala has worked with some of the greatest names in jazz, including Joe Henderson, Junior Cook, Charlie Rouse, James Moody, Bud Shank, and Cecil Payne. He has toured with Richie Cole, Arturo Sandoval, Shorty Rogers, and Jessica Williams, and has played at jazz festivals around the world, including Monterey, North Sea, Montreux, Detriot, and JVC/Concord. His recording credits include work with Scott Hamilton, Jessica Williams, Mark Levine, as well as Anton Schwartz.

Todd Strait, Drums

Over Todd’s 40 year career, he has spent 10 years in New York City playing with Marian McPartland, Tal Farlow, a brief tour with Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, followed by a relocation to Kansas City working with Interstring, PBT Trio among many others. During this time in Kansas City, Todd met Eldar, Karrin Allyson, and Kevin Mahagony leading to national and international travel with each over a 20 year period. His history and experience have brought forth over a 100 recordings as a sideman, most notably receiving two Grammy Nominations with Karrin Allyson, one with Eldar, and one with Randy Porter and Nancy King. In 2017, Todd released his debut album as a leader, “There’ll Be Some Changes Made”, featuring Bill Mays, Bob Bowman, and Danny Embrey.
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Now based in Kansas City, Todd’s schedule is focused locally with occasional tours. He can be found playing nightly in the Kansas City area with multiple groups.

Randy Porter & Friends RSVP

]]>https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2019/05/17/steinway-artist-randy-porter-friends-schmitt-music-kansas-city/feed/0https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2019/05/17/steinway-artist-randy-porter-friends-schmitt-music-kansas-city/Clearance Sale at the new Schmitt Music Sioux Falls!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SchmittMusic/~3/6fws-cwbYp8/
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Schmitt Music Sioux Falls is flooded with inventory! HIGH WATER, LOW PRICES!

Stop in to our new location during the Flooded with Inventory Clearance Sale for huge savings on instruments, accessories, and print music – now through May 31st – while inventory lasts!

Up to 75% OFF instruments!

Up to 95% OFF accessories!

Penny-a-page sheet music & books!

In March, the Schmitt Music Sioux Falls building was flooded and we had to find a temporary location. We settled in at 1209 West 41st Street – next to BBQ Heaven (in the former Sioux Falls Music space) – and we’re proud to announce it’s officially our permanent new home in Sioux Falls!

Please note: items for sale at the “Flooded with Inventory Clearance” event are not damaged by flood water.

Over $7.5 Million in new & used inventory MUST BE SOLD at our piano showrooms!

ADDITIONAL DISCOUNTS on any in-stock piano this month!

INSTANT REBATES on new Kawai pianos!

SPECIAL FINANCING options available including “same as cash” offers!

DIGITAL PIANOS from just $499!

TRADE-INS ACCEPTED!

“Fiscal Year-End Clearance” discounts include up to $5,000 off Steinway grand pianos, up to $1,500 off on Boston grand pianos and more. Many of our clearance deals are one-of-a-kind offers, so hurry in for the best selection! Contact a Schmitt Music Piano Specialist to learn more and set up your showing today.

0% INTEREST, 12 MONTHS FINANCING!

During the “Fiscal Year-End Clearance” event, Schmitt Music is offering 12 month “Same as Cash” financing with No Down Payment required! This limited-time offer is VALID ON ALL PIANOS – new and used acoustic pianos, digital and digital hybrid pianos, and player pianos, including the Steinway & Sons Spirio!

Offer available with approved credit; certain restrictions may apply. Financing with Automatic Payment Authorization (ACH) through Allegro; see store for details.

Visit your Schmitt Music piano store and get an INSTANT REBATE UP TO $2,500 when you “Spring for a Kawai” and purchase qualifying new Kawai piano this month – save on acoustic, hybrid and digital pianos – CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE!

Exceptional quality without compromise

Paul A. Schmitt pianos combine superior craftsmanship and stunning features for an amazing value. These grand and upright pianos are designed with specifications, added features, and attention to detail unparalleled by any other piano in this price category, and during our “Fiscal Year-End” sale you’ll SAVE EVEN MORE!

At Schmitt Music you’ll find that our collection of acoustic grand and upright pianos, and player piano technology systems is one of the nation’s most complete, and we’re your home for all of the latest digital and digital hybrid pianos and keyboards.

Piano selection and availability varies by Schmitt Music location. Find the very best selection of acoustic, hybrid, and digital pianos at Schmitt Music stores in: Brooklyn Center and Edina, MN; Englewood, CO (Denver); Omaha, NE; and Overland Park, KS (Kansas City). Pianos and keyboards are not sold at Schmitt Music’s Sioux Falls, SD location. Contact your Schmitt Music Piano Specialist to learn more.

]]>https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2019/05/08/piano-clearance-fiscal-year-end-savings-special-financing/Kawai Instant Rebates up to $2500 Extended through May!http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SchmittMusic/~3/5WAMxdLDLMQ/
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Visit your Schmitt Music piano store and get an INSTANT REBATE UP TO $2,500 when you “Spring for a Kawai” and purchase a qualifying new Kawai piano this month!

When you purchase an eligible Kawai grand or upright acoustic piano, digital piano or digital hybrid piano by May 31, 2019, you’ll qualify for an Instant Rebate – SAVE $150 UP TO $2,500 INSTANTLY! Contact your Schmitt Music Piano Specialist to learn more and to set up a showing today.

Kawai is the winner of over 50 major international awards for excellence. The Kawai NOVUS NV10 Hybrid piano won the “Product Excellence Award” for 2018, as chosen by the Music Inc. magazine! Click here to learn more about Kawai’s award-winning pianos.

Set up a showing with a Schmitt Music Piano Specialist to learn more about Kawai’s award-winning pianos and let the experts help you find the perfect piano.

In an effort to recognize the work of outstanding school music educators in the Midwest, Schmitt Music and the SDC (Schmitt Director Center) set out to find the best of the best. We honor exceptional educators in three categories: elementary, middle school, and high school.

A big THANK YOU to all the music education colleagues and students who took time to nominate and recognize teachers in their schools. All of our deserving nominees show a dedication to music education that is truly inspirational. Get to know a bit about the 2019 Educator of the Year award winners below:

Andrea Whitcomb

Lincoln Elementary | Anoka, MN

Andrea Whitcomb is the Music Specialist at Lincoln Elementary School for the Arts in Anoka, MN, where she teaches K-5 general music, as well as 4th and 5th grade band, orchestra, and choir. So far in her 19 years in the classroom, she has experience teaching 4-12 instrumental music (band/orchestra), K-5 choir, and general music. She is the Music Director for Lincoln’s theatre program, and is also an adjunct professor with Bemidji State University, team teaching online arts courses for future educators.

Andrea holds a B.M. in Music Education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and an M.Ed. degree from St. Mary’s University. She has studied Orff and earned her Kodály certification at the University of St. Thomas and has completed the ACE Dance Program at the Perpich Center for the Arts. Her integrated approach to music education, and her passion to collaborate with classroom teachers, bring multiple content areas together for her students and offers them a chance to make connections across the curriculum.

Family comes first for Andrea, and she enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Brady, and two sons, Sebastian and Lachlan. When they aren’t busy with concerts, plays, Boy Scouts, piano lessons, and exploring the U.S. in their camper, they can be found hanging out at home with their three dogs, watching movies and playing games.

Chiyo Trauernicht

Otte-Blair Middle School | Blair, NE

Chiyo Trauernicht, a native of Chiba, Japan, is the Seventh and Eighth Grade Band Director at Otte-Blair Middle School in Blair, Nebraska, since 2007. Under Trauernicht’s direction, both seventh and eighth grade bands have consistently received superior ratings at contests. She is the coordinator of the annual Blair Middle School Honor Band Festival, which hosts over 230 students from more than 60 schools. She has received the NSBA Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award in 2012 and the NMEA Bryan R. Johnson Distinguished Service Award in 2017. She has served as middle level chairs for Nebraska Bandmasters Association and Nebraska Music Education Association, and currently the President-Elect of NSBA. Trauernicht was selected to represent Nebraska in 20th annual “50 Directors Who Make a Difference” issue of School Band and Orchestra Magazine in 2017.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Master of Arts degree in History from Tokyo University of Foreign Studies. She has completed the music teaching certification program at the University of Nebraska at Kearney. Trauernicht earned a Master of Music degree in Instrumental Conducting from the American Band College of Sam Houston State University. Her teaching background includes teaching English at Gauss Private School in Tokyo, teaching Japanese courses at University of Nebraska at Kearney, assisting in special education classrooms at Beatrice State Developmental Center, and teaching elementary general music at Catholic School in Holdrege, Nebraska.

She is actively involved in music, playing the flute and piccolo in numerous organizations such as the Omaha Symphony, Omaha Conservatory of Music/Opera Omaha, Omaha Symphonic Winds, Orchestra Omaha, Blair Area Community Band, and Nebraska Wind Symphony. She resides in Bennington, Nebraska with her husband Brian and their singing dogs Charlie and Callie.

Scott Rabehl

Buffalo High School | Buffalo, MN

Scott Rabehl has been teaching at Buffalo Senior High School for fifteen years where he directs concert bands, jazz ensembles, pep bands and the summer marching band. He also teaches courses in The History of Western Music and Advanced Placement Music Theory.

Before taking his position at BHS, Mr. Rabehl taught for eight years at Maple Grove Junior High in the Osseo School District and for two years at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School. He has been recognized as the ACDA Outstanding Young Band Director for the State of Minnesota, directed a number of honor bands throughout the state, and led ensembles from both Maple Grove Junior High and Buffalo High School in MMEA Mid-Winter Clinic performances.

He is currently serving as a Region Representative to the Minnesota Music Educators Association Board of Directors. His college education includes a B.S. in Music Education from St. Cloud State University, an M.Ed. from St. Mary’s University and both a B.S. in Business and an M.B.A. from the University of Minnesota.

He lives in St. Michael with his wife Lori and son Mitchell (17) and has a daughter (19) Mallory attending Concordia College in Moorhead.

Again, Schmitt Music would like to say thank you to everyone who participated, and congratulations to all of the educators who were nominated in 2018-2019:

Henry Z. Steinway, former president of Steinway & Sons, photographed in 2004 with Tom Schmitt, president of Schmitt Music. Henry was the great-grandson of Steinway founder, Henry E. Steinway, and Tom is the great-grandson of Schmitt Music founder, Paul A. Schmitt.

Since June 18, 1961, Steinway has chosen Schmitt Music to be its exclusive authorized dealer for Steinway & Sons pianos. This year marks Steinway’s 165th Anniversary – making the world’s finest pianos since 1853!

“There’s nothing else like it and no other piano should even be mentioned in the same breath.” – Tom Schmitt, president, Schmitt Music

Steinway is an iconic brand and an indelible piece of American musical history. Since 1853, Steinway & Sons has built the pianos by which all others are judged. In honor of Schmitt Music’s 55th Anniversary as a Steinway dealer, Tom Schmitt shared some thoughts about the company’s relationship with Steinway:

Today (6/18/16) marks the 55th anniversary of our appointment as a Steinway dealer. Even though I was just a little kid at the time I can remember some of the circumstances because Henry and Polly Steinway came out to Minneapolis to make it official and to have a little celebration, and dad invited them to join us for dinner and a ride on our houseboat.

We didn’t have a cabin or a summer home or anything like that, but my mom, sisters, Doug and I spent most of the summer living on a houseboat on the St. Croix River while dad commuted into the office every day. It was pretty small and crowded and so it was sort of a big deal to have guests for Dinty Moore beef stew, a cruise down the river and to join in as dad led us through some of his favorite tunes, like “Shine on Harvest Moon” and “Up the Lazy River”, singing and accompanying himself on the baritone ukulele. Although Henry Steinway was a very down-to-earth person, he was a sophisticated Manhattanite and he must have thought he was teaming up with the Minnesota version of the Beverly Hillbillies!

That evening marked the beginning of an incredible partnership between our two companies and an enduring friendship with generations of the Steinway family and leadership team. In the decades to follow, with Steinway as our leading brand, our company became one of the largest and most awarded piano dealers in the industry. And Steinway emerged as one of the most respected and widely recognized brands in the world, instantly connected with the highest and most uncompromising levels of quality, performance, durability and artistic expression. Did you know that every year, year after year, over 98% of all piano concerts performed with major symphony orchestras all over the world are played exclusively on Steinway pianos? That’s because the finest pianists in the world know they can only play their best and be all they can be – artistically – on a Steinway. There’s nothing else like it and no other piano should even be mentioned in the same breath.

Meeting Henry and Polly for the first time made a lasting impression on me, but what I remember most about that evening was dad’s excitement. One of his most important contributions when he returned to the company after serving in WW2 and Korea was to lead us into the piano business. And to finally be appointed as the Steinway dealer in our service area – a goal of his from the very beginning – was affirmation from the leading company in the industry that we were on the right track. That they wanted to be our partners for the future meant the world to dad and his team – and to the whole company really. He was stoked!

Steinway has undoubtedly been our most important supplier for all these years and with their new ownership, new leadership team and dynamic new products, the company is doing better than ever all over the world. We’re grateful for the last 55 years with Steinway – it’s been a great run – and we look forward to the next 55 with the same anticipation and excitement that dad had all those years ago.

Schmitt Music would like to say CONGRATULATIONS to Kenneth “Kenny” Broberg, winner of the silver medal in The Van Cliburn International Piano Competition!

Kenneth Broberg, 23, is a Minneapolis native and current graduate student at The International Center for Music at Park University in Parkville, MO. He was one of four Americans to compete in The Cliburn this year, held May 25 through June 10 in Fort Worth, TX. The gold medal went to South Korea’s Yekwon Sunwoo, and the bronze to Daniel Hsu, also of the U.S.A. Congratulations to all of these great performers!

Broberg was a student of Dr. Joseph Zins at Crocus Hill Studios in St. Paul from the age of 6 through high school, and he currently studies with Steinway Artist (and 2001 Cliburn gold medalist) Stanislav Ioudenitch at Park University’s International Center for Music in Parkville, MO – our newest All-Steinway School! Mr. Broberg presented a program at Schmitt Music Edina earlier this year.

CLICK HERE to watch a program from New York’s WQXR Classical, featuring performances by and conversation with this year’s three Cliburn winners. You can also watch all of Kenneth’s Cliburn performances online – CLICK HERE!

Finding Your Flute by Dr. Rachel E. Haug Root

Near the end of middle school, my flute teacher told my parents it was time to consider buying a new flute. She gave them a list of suggested brands and specifications, they consulted some catalogs, and two weeks later, my flute arrived. Although this method seemed practical nearly 15 years ago, there are far more options to consider now. With a wealth of brands at our disposal, each offering its own unique qualities, how do we find our flute?

Although the options seem daunting at first glance, here are a few criteria to help narrow the search.

Open holes:

With very few exceptions, intermediate flutes will have French keys (open tone-holes). They create a larger, more robust sound and also add resonance and greater projection to the instrument. Open holes can take some adjustment, so most open-hole flutes come with plugs for the keys, allowing players to more easily transition. Once the player adjusts, the plugs can be removed.

Higher silver content:

Our very first flutes are constructed primarily of nickel. Although durable, they tend toward very bright, sometimes piercing timbres. By incorporating more sterling silver into the instrument, we obtain greater richness and depth of sound. At the intermediate level, begin with a headjoint that is sterling silver. From there, move on to body tubing and, eventually, the mechanism.

Inline vs. Offset G:

There are two options when choosing the basic set-up for our flute: inline or offset G. Although inline G was once considered the standard for intermediate and professional instruments, more and more flutists are now choosing the offset option because of its ergonomic advantages.

Extra keys:

Inherent in their design, intermediate and professional flutes come with a B footjoint, extending our range from middle C to the note just below. Because it adds length to the flute’s tubing, this key assists in creating greater depth of sound. Additionally, many flutes include options for split E mechanism, C-sharp trill, and D-sharp roller. Flutists should consult a teacher or expert about the advantages and disadvantages of these additions.

Try instruments:

Finding a flute is a very personal decision. Essentially, we are finding our voice. When at all possible, visit shops that allow instrument trials to discern which models and options work well. If possible, find a location with a qualified expert who will give constructive feedback and can explain the differences from one model to the next. Take several flutes home on trial and play them in rehearsals and lessons to obtain additional feedback.

With these suggestions in mind, the process becomes relatively easy. Arriving at an appointment with this knowledge will make the entire process much more enjoyable, and you will be able to find your flute.

Dr. Rachel E. Haug Root is a freelance flutist, orchestral musician, and private instructor in the Minneapolis area. In addition to her responsibilities as The Flute Gallery Manager, she maintains a private flute studio in the Twin Cities, and her students are frequently accepted to summer festivals and honors ensembles. Rachel also holds the position of Piccolo with the Mankato Symphony Orchestra and has performed with the La Crosse Symphony, Linden Hills Chamber Orchestra, John Philip Sousa First Memorial Band, Central Ohio Symphony, and the McConnell Arts Center Chamber Orchestra.

Rachel earned her DMA and MM in flute performance from The Ohio State University, where she studied with Katherine Borst Jones, and BA from Luther College under the instruction of Dr. Carol Hester. Rachel’s research, An Introduction to Twentieth-Century Flute Music by Norwegian Composers: With Emphasis on Øistein Sommerfeldt and Publications by Norsk Musikforlag, seeks to broaden awareness of the available flute repertoire. During her time at Ohio State, Rachel served as principal flute in the Wind Symphony and Symphony Orchestra while also performing as a member of the Ohio State Fife and Drum Corps. Additionally, she assisted in planning the annual Central Ohio Flute Association Festival at Ohio State, serving as newsletter editor, exhibits coordinator, and president.

Rachel is the recipient of the OSU Graduate Achievement Award and past winner of the DMA concerto competition. She is featured on the Naxos recordings Network and Rest, and in the 2008 Emmy Award-winning production Christmas at Luther. She has toured with ensembles throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan.

]]>https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2017/05/15/finding-your-flute/feed/0https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2017/05/15/finding-your-flute/Schmitt Music Piano Specialists featured in The Boston Chronicle – Institutional News from Steinway & Sonshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SchmittMusic/~3/c5XOLkTInBM/
https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2017/01/25/schmitt-music-piano-specialists-featured-boston-chronicle-institutional-news-steinway-sons/#respondWed, 25 Jan 2017 21:54:43 +0000https://www.schmittmusic.com/?p=70088Schmitt Music is proud to have two of our piano experts – Alice Tillman and Barry Damerell – featured in the Winter 2016 edition of the “Boston Chronicle” newsletter from Steinway & Sons! Alice Tillman, Institutional Piano Sales Representative from Schmitt Music Brooklyn Center, helped bring joy to the Trinity Lutheran Church congregation located in […]

Schmitt Music is proud to have two of our piano experts – Alice Tillman and Barry Damerell – featured in the Winter 2016 edition of the “Boston Chronicle” newsletter from Steinway & Sons!

Alice Tillman, Institutional Piano Sales Representative from Schmitt Music Brooklyn Center, helped bring joy to the Trinity Lutheran Church congregation located in New York Mills, MN, when she worked with the church to select their first grand piano – a Boston GP-215 Performance Edition!

Church pianist Janell Brakel proclaimed “We are blessed. God worked through these incredibly generous people to accomplish something quite extraordinary. The impact of the seven-foot Boston GP-215 on the congregation and my piano students has been overwhelmingly powerful.”

“Two other brands were recommended for consideration before I met Alice Tillman of Schmitt Music in Brooklyn Center,” she recalls. “I had the opportunity to play three comparable 7’1″ grands of three different brands in three different locations. I could hear the Steinway influence in the Boston, and the rich elegant and refined sound made it the clear winner.”

CLICK HERE to read the full article – Trinity Lutheran Church Shares a Grand Story of Passion and Perseverance.

L-R: Alice Tillman and Janell Brakel; Daniel Foster and Damerell

Barry Damerell, Piano Specialist and Manager of Schmitt Music Denver, helped bring new inspiration to the choir at Divine Redeemer in Colorado Springs, CO, where Barry is also the Music Minister. The Divine Redeemer choir had been accompanied by an aging electronic piano with uneven sound until Barry introduced them to the Boston GP-193!

“Since purchasing this piano, our 21-member choir is much stronger in supporting the congregation, and the congregation now actively participates in the music,” says choir director Daniel Foster.

Father Brian Roeseler couldn’t be more please: “I feel as if I am celebrating Mass with concert-like music. The sound is clean and crisp. This by far has been the best purchase our parish has made for our music department in decades.”

CLICK HERE to read the full article – Divine Redeemer Choir Meets a Boston and the Results are Amazing.

]]>https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2017/01/25/schmitt-music-piano-specialists-featured-boston-chronicle-institutional-news-steinway-sons/feed/0https://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/2017/01/25/schmitt-music-piano-specialists-featured-boston-chronicle-institutional-news-steinway-sons/PRINCE – Sheet Music & Books Available at Schmitt Musichttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/SchmittMusic/~3/uK1P3xV5jZs/
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The Minnesota-born artist known as Prince was a world-famous musical innovator, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and so much more.

During his legendary career, Prince Rogers Nelson became a cultural icon – he released 39 albums (more than 100 million records sold), was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, won seven Grammy Awards, an Oscar (“Best Original Song Score” for Purple Rain), and multiple American Music Awards. Prince died on April 21, 2016 – gone way too soon, but his music will live on forever!

Honoring The Purple One’s legacy on what would have been Prince’s 58th birthday, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton declared that Tuesday, June 7, 2016 was “Prince Day” in Minnesota.

Prince was a Schmitt Music customer! In 1977, photographer Robert Whitman captured images of a young Prince standing in front of the iconic “music wall” on Schmitt Music’s former downtown Minneapolis headquarters – Prince’s first professional photo shoot!

Celebrate Prince’s music on “Prince Day” and every day!

Schmitt Music is proud to offer Prince music books and digital sheet music! CLICK HERE to shop digital sheet music & songbooks, or visit your Schmitt Music store to pick up a copy of Purple Rain, Prince – Ultimate, or Musicology books for Piano / Vocal / Guitar.

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Tue, 06 Jan 2015 17:15:46 +0000http://www.schmittmusic.com/blog/?p=7651Every child can reap the benefits of music when communities and schools support a complete music learning framework. Schmitt Music is a proud sponsor of “Music Makes Us Whole” – a great new resource for Minnesota’s school music programs! Music Makes Us Whole is the initiative of several dozen Minnesota non-profit and for-profit organizations that […]

Every child can reap the benefits of music when communities and schools support a complete music learning framework. Schmitt Music is a proud sponsor of “Music Makes Us Whole” – a great new resource for Minnesota’s school music programs!

Music Makes Us Whole is the initiative of several dozen Minnesota non-profit and for-profit organizations that believe every child deserves a rich music education. We advocate for this because of music’s intrinsic value in the human experience, and also for the whole-brain and whole-life benefits to the child as well as his or her community.

Visit musicmakesuswhole.org to learn more, and get involved. Call your local Principal or Superintendent and ask how music is doing in your school.

Principals and superintendents value input from community members. Have a conversation, focus on students, and share why music is important for a child’s success.Music learning is proven to support students. That can only happen when your school has a strong music program. Make sure every child in your community receives the boost that music learning provides.

Schmitt Music is deeply involved in advocating on behalf of music education. In addition to donations of volunteer time and in-kind gifts, for over 45 years the Schmitt Foundation has donated 5% of pre-tax income to music-oriented charities.

“Our vision is to be our customers’ preferred resource for everything they need to accomplish their musical goals,” said Tom Schmitt. “We want to help people become music makers for life, and we strive to make a quality musical education available for every kid in our service area!”

As a long-standing and ongoing corporate commitment, Schmitt Music has taken direct action to help needy students receive the benefits of a musical education. For nearly 30 years, the company has organized, promoted and conducted numerous used instrument drives to put quality instruments into the hands of needy children – and Schmitt Music supports the similar work of “Music for All Children” and “Vega Productions” through instrument donations, referrals and the use of our stores as drop-off points. Tens of thousands of instruments have been put into the hands of disadvantages students through those efforts.

Please help Schmitt Music realize our mission… help make a quality musical education available for every child in Minnesota. Learn more about the benefits of music education, and get involved – CLICK HERE to visit the Music Makes Us Whole website.

Schmitt Music presents a special concert with Professor of Piano at Kansas State University, Dr. Agustin Muriago, at Schmitt Music Kansas City on Tuesday, June 4 starting at 7:00PM – free and open to the public!

Pianist Agustin Muriago has performed throughout the United States, Spain, China, and his native Argentina, in venues such as Steinway Hall, Yamaha Artist Services, and the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City, and the Teatro Ópera in Buenos Aires. His repertoire ranges from standard piano works to contemporary music premieres, with an emphasis on Spanish and Argentine music. He has recorded for the Acte Préalable label and for Kansas Public Radio.

Dr. Muriago has offered master classes and adjudicated numerous competitions in the United States and abroad, among them the MTNA Young Artist Competition, the KMTA Honors Auditions and the New York State School Music Association’s piano festival. He is a member of the Music Teachers National Association, the College Music Society, and has been inducted into the American music honor society Pi Kappa Lambda.

In Argentina, Dr. Muriago has earned degrees in piano performance, piano pedagogy, and composition. As a prizewinner of the 2008 “Teachers del Norte-Pianists del Sur” auditions under the direction of Mirian Conti, he continued his studies in the United States, earning degrees in piano performance from The Hartt School (DMA), New York University (MM), and Rowan University (BM summa cum laude).
His major teachers include José Ramón Méndez, Luiz de Moura Castro, David Westfall, Veda Zuponcic, Aldo Antognazzi, and Marcela Fiorillo, having also received advice from Lilya Zilberstein, Frederic
Chiu, Julian Martin, Solomon Mikowsky, Douglas Humpherys, and Seymour Bernstein.

Dr. Muriago is on the piano faculty at Kansas State University, where he coordinates the Master of Music in Piano Pedagogy degree in addition to teaching group and private lessons. Prior to his appointment at K-State, he served on the faculties of The Hartt School Community Division and New York University.

Highlights for the 2019-2020 season include solo recitals in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and throughout the United States, including his Chicago debut for the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts. Learn more at augustinmuriago.com.

Juan Berrios

Originally from Bayamón, Puerto Rico, Juan Berrios enjoys a multifaceted musical career. He has performed with a wide variety of musical ensembles from symphony and jazz orchestras to British style brass bands. A passionate educator, Juan works with countless students of all ages across the country each year as a guest clinician, conductor, chamber music coach, marching band instructor, and private instructor. He studied Music Education and Performance at the University of Central Florida, and attended the Music Academy of the West as well as the Aspen Music Festival. He is a Buffet Crampon USA Performing Artist and performs exclusively on a Hans Hoyer K10 French Horn, and a Besson Prestige Eb Tenor Horn.

When not touring with the Dallas Brass, Juan enjoys teaching, cooking, and bowling. He lives in Kissimmee, FL with his wife, Anielka, a flute player and elementary school music teacher. Juan has been a member of the Dallas Brass since 2010.

Join us for an evening of music with DuoClassica – violin / piano duo – at Schmitt Music Denver on Thursday, May 2 at 7PM – free and open to the public.

DuoClassica has been praised for exquisitely poetic sonority, powerful and expressive execution, extraordinary precision, and dazzling virtuosity. Formed in 2008 by violinist Lydia Sviatlovskaya and pianist Olga Dashevskaya, the duo plays a diverse repertoire ranging from Baroque to Contemporary music, providing the kind of concerts that only masters of their craft can deliver.

DuoClassica will present their program P. Tchaikovsky, E. Grieg: Celebrating Friendship. Seating is limited, so please let us know if you plan to attend. Call 303-777-1900 or email us at dnkb@schmittmusic.com to RSVP.

Lydia Sviatlovskaya, violin

Lydia, a native of Leningrad (now St. Petersburg), graduated from the Special Music School for Gifted Children in Leningrad and entered the Moscow Conservatory. Among her teachers was world-renowned violinist Leonid Kogan. In 1976, Lydia won Second Prize at the “Concertino Prague” Competition in Czechoslovakia.

Lydia has given numerous Solo and Chamber Music Recitals in Europe and the United States. She is currently Concertmaster of the Colorado Ballet Orchestra and Associate Concertmaster of Colorado Springs Philharmonic Orchestra. Lydia has a private music studio in Denver.

Olga Dashevskaya, piano

Olga, a native of Ukraine in the former Soviet Union, gave her first public concert at age of eight. She studied at the Special Music School for Gifted Children and the Kharkov State Conservatory, from which she graduated with Honors and received Master’s degrees in piano and music theory. Olga began her professional career in Moscow as an editor of music programs at the Moscow State Philharmonic, and later was an editor at the State Publishers “Muzica.” She published numerous articles on music history, produced music radio programs, and performed concerts. Since moving to the United States in 1990, Olga has given numerous solo performances and lectures, performed with various symphony orchestras, and successfully collaborated with noted vocalists and instrumentalists

Olga runs her own music school and is a professor of piano performance, theory and music history at Red Rocks Community College.

Schmitt Music is touring the upper Midwest with a truckload of brand new, scratch & dent, and manufacturer special buy performance-level band and orchestra instruments, offered at deep discounts. This is a one-of-a-kind sale where you can SAVE BIG on an instrument upgrade for your continuing music student. This event is a rare opportunity. We invite you to TAKE THE NEXT STEP into a performance-level instrument and enjoy tremendous savings!

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Visit your Schmitt Music piano store and get an INSTANT REBATE UP TO $2,500 when you “Spring for a Kawai” and purchase a qualifying new Kawai piano this month!

When you purchase an eligible Kawai grand or upright acoustic piano, digital piano or digital hybrid piano by April 30, 2019, you’ll qualify for an Instant Rebate – SAVE $150 UP TO $2,500 INSTANTLY! Contact your Schmitt Music Piano Specialist to learn more and to set up a showing today.

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Set up a showing with a Schmitt Music Piano Specialist to learn more about Kawai’s award-winning pianos and let the experts help you find the perfect piano.